US Women’s National Team World Cup Squad Injuries
USWNT WORLD CUP INJURY FACTS
What percentage of the US Women’s National Team 2011 FIFA World Cup squad have torn their ACLs and come back after surgery and rehab?
28.5%
Of the 21 players on the US World Cup roster, 6 players have torn their ACL in their pro or college career. (Boxx, Mitts, Buehler, Rapinoe (left knee x 2), Rampone, LePeilbet.)
Who is one of the all-time famous and successful US players with reconstructed ACLs?
Brandi Chastain.
Chastain had her right and left knees reconstructed after injuries suffered in back-to-back years of college and prior to her very successful career with the United States.
Take Home Message: ACL injuries are an epidemic in women’s soccer (that CAN be prevented). When they do occur, they are absolutely an obstacle a player can conquer with the right sports medicine team and mindset.
Coming Up on Wednesday: Insight into USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo’s shoulder injury and her return from major reconstructive surgery.
About the Author: Julie Eibensteiner PT, DPT, CSCS is a physical therapist and owner of Laurus Athletic Rehab and Performance LLC, an independently owned practice specializing in ACL rehab and prevention in competitive athletes. In addition to being a regular contributor to IMS on topics of sport injury and prevention, Eibensteiner holds a USSF A License, coaches a U18G MRL team for Eden Prairie Soccer Club, and assists with the Men’s and Women’s soccer programs at Macalester College.
To view other sports injury and rehab articles by Julie Eibensteiner click here.
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